Veterans Day Weekend in the 615

Although Veterans Day is meant to be an occasion to solemnly reflect on the sacrifices made by those men and women who have served in our nation’s military, it seems to me that this holiday has gotten caught in the rip current of Christmas. It’s a little sad, but perhaps our collective focus on veterans (dead and alive) during celebrations related to Memorial Day and Independence Day help show our appreciation and gratitude.

If you’re a veteran (Thank You!), or want to spend this weekend honoring American veterans, here are some options to consider:

Tennessee State Parks – to honor Tennessee’s veterans on Veterans Day, the Department of Environment and Conservation waives camping and golf greens fees for veterans who are residents of the state. To take advantage of the “free day,” present proof of Tennessee residency and veteran status.

Dunbar Cave State Park – on November 11, Dunbar Cave State Park in Clarksville, TN is holding a two-mile Veterans Day Hike, beginning at 1:00 pm outside the park’s Visitor Center. The program is free, but advance registration is encouraged. Contact Ranger Adam Neblett at adam.neblett@tn.gov.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area – This beautiful area, straddling the Kentucky/Tennessee border, joins other federal agencies in honoring veterans with free admission on Veterans Day weekend, November 10-12. Although it’s a little early in the season, bald eagles frequently winter at Kentucky Lake – take your binoculars just in case!

Veterans Day Events – This is not an all-inclusive list, but the following towns and cities in our area are planning observations:

Clarksville, TN

Saturday, November 11

Ceremonies 9:00 am;

Parade 10:00 am

Ceremonies and parade review stand at Third St. side of the historic courthouse in downtown Clarksville

Free Meals – Nothing says “Thank You” like a free meal – according to the website “militarybenefits.info”, the following restaurants are among those offering specials to veterans on designated day(s) during Veterans Day weekend. Be prepared to show ID:

Denny’s – all active, inactive and retired military personnel will receive a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast on Friday, November 10, from 5 a.m. to noon.

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill – dine with a veteran or active duty service member on Friday, November 10, and their lunch or dinner entrée is free! (Free entrée equal to or less than one purchased.)

Like this:

Related

Sounds Like Fun - Nashville is a labor of love - my love for Music City, Middle Tennessee, and experiencing the best that our area has to offer.
In recent years, I've developed an informal following among my friends and professional colleagues. People ask me what I've got planned for an upcoming weekend – or seek advice about good activities for showing visiting friends or relatives around the Nashville/Middle Tennessee area. Even though there are other sites with event calendars, I think followers of my blog can expect some extra insight into goings-on that would suit ‘most anyone seeking to experience the diversity of fun and interesting things to do around town.
I'm always on the look-out for good places to walk my dog. Maggie is a 10-year-old mixed breed shelter dog who still becomes comically ecstatic when she sees me pick up a leash. She's my inspiration to start a page featuring great dog walks around Nashville.